South Korea Unemployment Rate Drops to 2.6% in September 2026
South Korea's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate declined to 2.6% in September 2026, down from 2.7% in the previous month. The drop brings the country's jobless rate to its lowest level since September 2024. Total employment expanded by 113,000 positions during the month, bringing total nationwide employment to 29.27 million compared to 29.15 million a year ago.
The steady labor expansion marks the fourth straight month of payroll growth. Sector growth was heavily driven by healthcare and social welfare services, which contributed 247,000 new jobs. Transportation and storage added 91,000 positions, while financial and insurance activities grew by 81,000 jobs. These gains helped offset sharp contractions in other areas of the economy.
Despite overall job gains, several sectors experienced payroll declines. Agriculture, forestry, and fishing shed 170,000 positions, while accommodation and food services dropped 135,000 jobs. Education services also decreased by 42,000 positions. Investors and policymakers will be monitoring whether hiring strength in service sectors can maintain broader labor market momentum in the coming months.
Key points
- South Korea's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate fell to 2.6% in September 2026, the lowest level since September 2024.
- The South Korean economy added 113,000 jobs in September, representing the fourth consecutive month of overall job gains.
- Total employment reached 29.27 million people, up from 29.15 million recorded a year earlier.
- Health and social welfare services led job creation with 247,000 positions added, while agriculture, forestry, and fishing shed 170,000 jobs.
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How we writeDisclaimerQuestions and answers
What is South Korea's unemployment rate in September 2026?
South Korea's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 2.6% in September 2026, down from 2.7% in August 2026.
How many jobs did South Korea add in September 2026?
South Korea added 113,000 jobs in September 2026, marking the fourth consecutive month of employment gains and bringing total employment to 29.27 million.
Which sectors in South Korea gained and lost jobs in September 2026?
Health and social welfare added 247,000 jobs, transport added 91,000, and finance added 81,000. Meanwhile, agriculture lost 170,000 jobs, food and accommodation lost 135,000, and education lost 42,000.